How to Apply

Applications for Berlinale Talents 2019 are now closed (next application: July 2019).

Berlinale Talents is aimed at film and TV professionals in the early stages of their careers. To find out if you’re eligible and to get a quick overview of the application process, check out the information below.

Application Requirements

General Application

Choose your field of work to find out if you are eligible.

1) Eligibility

You are eligible to apply if you have worked as a/an on at least two short films OR one feature film (min. 60 minutes, fiction or documentary) that have screened at an international film festival or won a prize.You are eligible to apply if you regularly contribute film coverage to a print or online publication.You are eligible to apply if you have had a major role in the distribution of at least two feature films (min. 60 minutes, fiction or documentary).You are eligible to apply if you have had a major role in the sale of at least two feature films (min. 60 minutes, fiction or documentary).

Alternatively, as a TV director or screenwriter, you also qualify if you’ve had a major role in the development or production of at least one high-quality TV series that was broadcast on a TV channel or on an online platform with over 10,000 viewers.

2) Application Form

Fill out the application form, including your personal and professional data, your filmography and our questionnaire (preview questions)

Application Questions

What are you currently working on? What challenges are you facing and how will you solve them? (max. 1,000 characters)

Please describe your style of work and how you collaborate with others. (max. 1,000 characters)

What is a pressing subject for you right now? With whom would you like to discuss in Berlin? (max. 1,000 characters, or 1 min. video)

Please name three artists (at least one from your own country) whose work have influenced you. What would you like to ask each of them?

What’s your greatest talent or specialist knowledge in the field of film or from a side job that you could contribute to Berlinale Talents? (max. 1000 characters)

Beyond your own discipline, what other profession(s) would you like to connect with at Berlinale Talents?

For what kind of outlets are you working? Do you have future job plans? (Please add an approximate percentage to each outlet. / max. 1,000 characters)

How would you describe your general job-related situation as a film journalist? (Please let us know what’s best and what could be improved.)

What are for you the challenges in writing that you’d like to discuss at Talent Press? (max. 1,000 characters)

Which up to three writers or texts have inspired you or influenced your work, and why? (max. 1,000 characters)

In addition to your profession as a film critic, were/are you involved in a film festival or other organisation/company, e.g. as a programmer, jury member, press coordinator, teacher? (Please give us some details about your activity, the duration of your involvement and especially the experiences you took/take from it. / max. 1,000 characters)

What recent distribution strategies have inspired you, and why? You can name up to three examples. (max. 1,000 characters)

What recent sales strategies have inspired you, and why? You can name up to three examples. (max. 1,000 characters)

Where do you see the future of sales, distribution and audience development and what needs to be changed today? (max. 1,000 characters)

Last but not least, please make up your own question… and answer it the way you like!

3) Sample Upload

Your sample of work can be up to 3 minutes long and can contain one or two scenes (either from the same film or two different films).
Your sample of work should be a continuous scene of up to 3 minutes.
Please submit a single document (PDF file, max. 6 pages) with 3 articles that you have published in the last year, including:

date of publication

name of publication

circulation figures (for online publications, please include the number of monthly visitors)

If these articles are not in English, please provide us with a good translation of your own as proof of your English writing skills.

Your sample must correspond to your main field of work. It should be in English or subtitled in English. Please only upload excerpts from the original film/s (no showreels, trailers or teasers). Please ensure that you are the copyright owner and/or have obtained the consent of any other copyright owner/s to use the material. We do not accept music videos or commercials.

In addition to your film sample, you may upload a PDF with photos or sketches of your designs for a film or TV production. Please attach a one-page synopsis of the project and make sure to include your name in the document.In addition: Please upload an excerpt from one of your screenplays (in English), containing at least one scene of dialogue. It may be the same excerpt as your video sample. The file must include the following information:

title, genre, log line

introduction to the main characters

synopsis of up to 1,000 characters (i.e. a summary of the entire plot, including the ending. Not a teaser or cliffhanger for marketing purposes)

excerpt from the original script that marks a significant turning point in the story

brief description of the scene’s context within the film’s overall story

max. 5 pages, including your name, saved as a single PDF file (we do not accept Word documents, Final Draft or any other file type), max. file size of 2 MB

Upload a document (5-8 pages in a single PDF file), describing two films you have distributed.

Please include the following information:

Title

Producer

Director/writer (other team members, if necessary)

Cast

Genre

Length (in minutes)

Language(s)

Location(s)

Production budget

Distribution budget

Short synopsis (i.e. a summary of the entire film’s plot, including the ending. Not a teaser or a cliffhanger for marketing purposes)

Please describe the precise distribution strategy, your role and responsibility and how you became involved in the film project. Also indicate to what extent this strategy was successful (ticket sales, downloads, DVDs, revenues etc.)

Please describe what challenges you faced during each project and how you solved them.

Additionally, please upload visual material (e.g. website, artwork, advertisement, marketing/press material, pictures, a selection of press clippings) for each of the films mentioned above.
Upload a document (5-8 pages in a single PDF file), describing two films you have sold.

Please include the following information:

Title

Producer

Director/writer (other team members, if necessary)

Cast

Genre

Length (in minutes)

Language(s)

Location(s)

Production budget

Distribution budget

Short synopsis (i.e. a summary of the entire film’s plot, including the ending. Not a teaser or a cliffhanger for marketing purposes)

Please describe the precise sales strategy, your role and responsibility and how you became involved in the film project. Also indicate to what extent this strategy was successful (ticket sales, downloads, DVDs, revenues etc.)

Please describe what challenges you faced during each project and how you solved them.

4) Acting Studio

When applying as an actor, you will automatically be considered for the Acting Studio.

Here you will explore new techniques and meet with international filmmakers and seasoned experts from all over the world. The rigorous interdisciplinary workshops offer a variety
of sessions that focus on particular aspects of acting,
to help both actors and filmmakers develop communication and collaboration skills for the filmmaking process.

4) Sound Studio

When applying as a sound designer or composer, you will automatically be considered for the Sound Studio.

Here you will focus on how sound is used in the filmmaking process, from designing a sound landscape to the intricacies of sound mixing and composing non-orchestral film scores. In the Studio, you will get to know new sound-enhancement technologies and explore possible collaborations with creative and strategic partners from the industry.

4) Camera Studio

When applying as a cinematographer, you will automatically be considered for the Camera Studio.

Here you can share your ideas with fellow Talents and discuss the aesthetics and mechanics of camera work, lighting and the impact of cinematography on the post-production process. Acclaimed mentors and experts help broaden the scope by providing technical and creative insight into their latest works and guiding you towards the right artistic expression for your next film.

4) Market Studio

When applying as a distributor, you will automatically be considered for the Market Studio.

Here you will take part in a collaborative exploration, benefit from the experience of fellow distributors and learn from the input and case studies shared by seasoned sales agents, audience designers, filmmakers and producers. The Market Studio is based at the “Berlinale Talents Market Hub,” located directly inside the European Film Market.

4) Market Studio

When applying as a sales agent you will automatically be considered for the Market Studio.

Take part in a collaborative exploration, benefit from the experience of fellow distributors and learn from the input and case studies shared by seasoned sales agents, audience designers, filmmakers and producers. The Market Studio is based at the “Berlinale Talents Market Hub,” located directly inside the European Film Market.

4) Editing Studio

When applying as an editor, you will automatically be considered for the Editing Studio.

Here you will tackle creative issues in the editing process, share your experiences with fellow Talents and acclaimed mentors, and discuss new ideas based on excerpts from your own work. Related workshops and master classes, plus speed matching and excursions to the cinema make for a comprehensive, cutting-edge experience.

4) Talent Press

When applying as a film critic, you will automatically be considered for Talent Press.

Come to the Berlinale to acquaint yourself with current trends in world cinema. Be part of a team of emerging international critics and attend film screenings and events across the whole festival. Under the guidance of prominent mentors, you will share your impressions and insights every day and publish your articles on the websites of Berlinale Talents, FIPRESCI and the Goethe-Institut.

4) Production Design Studio

When applying as a production designer or art director, you will automatically be considered for the Production Design Studio.

Here you will meet with top-notch experts for ‘world building,’ work on
a tangible case study and learn how to improve your own virtual production designs. In the Studio, you can see what kinds of collaboration are possible when you combine interdisciplinary, convergent and non-linear processes with the right use of the latest digital tools.

4) Apply for a Project Lab (Optional)

In addition to the general application, directors, producers and screenwriters may submit a project to one of our Project Labs. Once you have completed and submitted your general application the submission form will be available on your profile.

Project Labs

In addition to the general application, we encourage directors, screenwriters and producers to submit a project to one of our Project Labs. Please complete the general application first before submitting your project.

Doc Station

If you are currently in the advanced development stages of a feature-length documentary, the Doc Station mentors and experts can help you move things forward, improve the narrative structure of your project, and tackle creative issues concerning further development and production.

How to apply

Step 1: Apply for Berlinale Talents as a director and complete the general application first. The Doc Station application will be available on your profile once your general application is submitted.

Step 2: Fill out the application form.

Title

Writer / filmmaker

Country of production (all countries that contribute to the financing of the film)

An 8-12 page treatment/exposé of your documentary film project, in English or German. If your project is pre-selected for Doc Station, you will be asked to supply an English version of your treatment for the international selection panel by November 2018.

Step 4: Additional uploads

Video material for the planned documentary (trailer / footage) of max. 5 minutes in length and 1 GB file size. This video material should not be the same as the work sample provided for your general application.

Optional: Visual material such as photographs (max. 25 stills). If you choose to provide photos, please include a short description of the context for each image.

Please note: If you provide external links to additional moving images or stills in your Doc Station application, please make sure that these links are active and accessible for selection purposes until at least mid-December 2018.

Talent Project Market

Present your fully developed feature-length film or high-quality drama series project to experienced co-producers and financiers in pre-scheduled one-on-one meetings. This 3-day programme in cooperation with the Berlinale Co-Production Market offers various possibilities to gain insights into the world of international co-productions and to meet with potential partners.

How to apply

Step 1: Apply for Berlinale Talents as a producer and complete the general application first. The Talent Project Market application will be available on your profile once your general application is submitted.

Step 2: Fill out the application form.

Title

Screenwriter

Director

Producer

Format

Running time

Genre

Target audience

Expected shooting start

Shooting language(s)

Main cast

Project status

Total budget

Secured financing

Attached partners

Financing status

What are you looking for at the Talent Project Market? (max. 500 characters)

Which positions are open to potential co-producers?

Why should this film be an international co-production?

Logline (max. 230 characters)

Synopsis (max. 2,300 characters)

Producer’s and company profile + credits

Director’s note (max. 2,300 characters)

Producer’s note (max. 2,300 characters)

Have you participated in any other training initiative, project development programmes or workshops with this project?

a 5-page treatment/synopsis of your feature-length film project, telling the whole story from beginning to end, in English

a 5-page excerpt from the project’s script, in English (please note: an advanced draft of the script must be available at the time of application. If you are selected, a full English version of the script must be available by January 20, 2019)

a 1-page financing plan (how much money is secured from whom and how much money is still in negotiation with whom? Where do you intend to apply for additional funding and when? Please list amounts and names of funding institution/ financier/ production company and country)

Step 4: Additional uploads

Please upload a sample of work from the project’s director.

You may also upload additional visual material to provide the jury with a visual insight into your project, e.g. mood photos (with a short description of the context for each photo).

Script Station

If your project was previously rejected from Script Station, please refrain from submitting it again.

If you are currently in the advanced development stages of a feature-length fiction film or a high-quality drama series, the Script Station mentors and experts can help you move things forward, improve the script’s narrative structure, and tackle creative issues in the writing process.
How to apply

Step 1: Apply for Berlinale Talents as a director or screenwriter and complete the general application first. The Script Station application will be available on your profile once your general application is submitted.

an 8-12 page treatment/exposé of your feature film script in English or German (12 pt font, 1.5 spacing)

a 3-5 page dialogue scene from the finished script in English or German

Due to the high number of applications every year, the selection process for the Script Station is done in three phases.

We read everything in your application except the treatment/exposé and the dialogue scene. We therefore recommend that you put a special effort into the other paragraphs and carefully describe your idea, motivations and special approaches to story and style. Please explain rather than sell your project to us. The “why” is just as important as the “what” or “how.”

Around 100-150 preselected projects will be read again, now also including the treatment/exposé and dialogue scene. The readers will recommend 30 projects to the final jury.

The independent, international selection jury will read and discuss all materials from the 30 projects and select the ten participants of the Script Station (plus two alternative candidates).

If your project is selected for the Script Station, you will be asked to supply an English version of your script for the international mentors by January 2, 2019.

Short Film Station

If you are currently in the advanced development stages of a script or concept for a short film, or a high-quality mini series or web series, the Short Film Station mentors and experts can help you move things forward, improve the structure of your film project, and tackle creative issues concerning further development and production. Eligible formats: fiction, documentary and animation up to 30 minutes.

How to apply

Step 1: Apply for Berlinale Talents as a director and complete the general application first. The Short Film Station application will be available on your profile once your general application is submitted.

Step 2: Fill out the application form.

Title

Director/ writer-director

Production country

Running time in minutes (max. 30 min)

Genre

Logline (max. 230 characters)

Synopsis (max. 1,000 characters)

Theme/ background/ setting (max. 1,000 characters)

Main characters/ protagonists (max. 1,000 characters)

Visual style (max. 1,000 characters)

Director’s or writer-director’s note (max. 1,000 characters)

Project status (max. 1,000 characters)

Target audience (max. 500 characters)

Have you participated in any other training initiative, project development programmes or workshops with this project? (max. 1,000 characters)

a 3-page treatment of your short film project (12 pt font, 1.5 spacing)

a finished script in English (for short documentaries, please upload a detailed treatment which defines the structure and design of the project)

Step 4: Additional uploads

You may upload visual material such as photographs. Please include a short description for each image.

You may also upload video material for the short film project (trailer / footage) of max. 5 minutes length and 1 GB file size. This video material should not be the same as provided for your general application.

For short documentary films: If available, please provide us with some pictures / footage of the documentary’s main topic and/or protagonists.

For short animated films: If available, please provide us with an animation sample of one scene and/or at least one of the lead characters.

What's on Offer

Have a look at the highlights of Berlinale Talents 2018 to see the breadth of our events. Then peek inside our Project Labs and meet some of last year’s participants.

Alumni Applicants

As a former participant of Berlinale Talents, there are two ways to come back for a second round. Log in to your alumni profile and access the application from there.

Apply with a Project

Directors, screenwriters and producers who have previously taken part in Berlinale Talents may apply again with an ongoing project for one of our Project Labs. Before you apply, check the application criteria above to see if your project is at the right stage.

Relive the Summit Experience

Former Project Lab participants who missed the general programme of events during their first visit may reapply for Berlinale Talents.
Attend master classes, interactive panel discussions and workshops to complete your Berlinale Talents experience.